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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Upper East Side

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463 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel restaurant
4.4
Awesome(6734)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Midtown East
Booked 90 times today
The Palm Court’s Afternoon Tea truly shines with custom tableware and china, a fragrant tea list steeped in history, and of course, a bit of precocious Eloise too. Guests are invited to nibble on our in-house Pastry Chef’s unique culinary offerings like delicate finger sandwiches, buttery scones and elegant desserts, which are all made from scratch with local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients.Hours: Breakfast* | 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Confirmed breakfast reservations at The Palm Courtare reserved for hotel guests at this time.Afternoon Tea | 11:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.Evening Prix Fixe | 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.Reservations are not required but recommended*Evening prix fixe menu ends at 10:30 p.m.*Based on hotel occupancy. Hotel guests will be priority.For parties larger than 6 guests, please send an inquiry email to PalmCourt.PLZ@Fairmont.com
A photo of Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(801)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Upper East Side
Booked 22 times today
Join us at Aunt Jake's Upper East Side for our Pasta Making Class & 3-course pasta menu! The cost is $60 per person for pasta instruction and the prefix meal. We require a $10 per person non-refundable deposit. The entire experience is approximately 2.5 hours. Please use the OpenTable mobile app for best results when booking the Pasta Experience.–Aunt Jake's was founded in 2015, as the company set out to replicate the idyllic, simplistic cuisine we grew up to enjoy. However, we wanted to create Italian food for the “next” generation. The idea was to develop an Italian concept around the customer’s choice of how to eat pasta compared to how the restaurant wanted you to eat it. With that in mind, Aunt Jake’s core mission is to bring high-quality fresh ingredients daily to craft our handmade pasta and sauces health-consciously. The customer can mix and match sauce with shape and create a custom dish of their own.
A photo of Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(29719)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Theater District
Booked 360 times today
Carmine's is a family-style Italian restaurant in NYC, crafted for sharing and celebrations. Reviewers lauded it for its exceptional value, abundant portions, friendly service, and the elegant atmosphere. The restaurant is praised for its ability to make any meal feel like an Italian American wedding feast. It's perfect for family dining, celebrating special occasions, and hosting business team dinners. With reviews boasting 'excellent food for sharing and phenomenal service,' it's clear Carmine's is a favorite for making any gathering memorable.
A photo of Papillon Bistro and Bar restaurant
4.0
Excellent(1074)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Midtown East
Booked 47 times today
Papillon is a stunning classic French Bistro featuring an elegant rustic decor that brings you back through time to a provincial town in France. The exquisite decor is the perfect setting for Papillon's culinary delights. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, just steps from Central Park, Museum of Modern Art & the famous 5th Avenue shops, Papillon offers a fun environment where our guests feel like family. Our deceivingly large space offers dining experiences to match your every mood, whether you’re enjoying a craft cocktail on our sidewalk café, mingling with colleagues in one of our private rooms, or delighting in dinner and a show at our Opera Night on Saturdays. Get to know our killer staff, and enjoy a sense of community with a little something for everyone. At Papillon Bistro & Bar, every night is made better with just a touch of sophisticated debauchery!
A photo of Quality Italian - New York restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6087)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Midtown West
Booked 206 times today
Quality Italian is New York's best steakhouse. Our renowned steak and delicious Italian food make us a popular destination for folks seeking a great meal. Whether you are looking for a wonderful lunch or an inviting brunch, we provide an outstanding dining experience. Visit us today to experience the best steak and Italian food in New York for yourself. Located in Midtown Manhattan near Central Park, MOMA, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Times Square, Quality Italian is the best restaurant in Midtown Manhattan and NYC.
A photo of Nobu Fifty Seven restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6133)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Midtown West
Booked 152 times today
As the first uptown New York location for legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa, we opened with much anticipation in the summer of 2005.Nobu's co-owners are his longtime partners: renowned restaurateur Drew Nieporent, Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, and Hollywood film producer Meir Teper. The restaurant showcases Nobu's signature new style Japanese cuisine with classic dishes such as Tiradito Nobu Style and Black Cod Miso. The restaurant received three stars from the New York Times.
A photo of Quality Meats restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(10522)
Price: Expensive
• American • Midtown West
Booked 142 times today
Quality Meats is the best steakhouse in New York City. Located in Midtown Manhattan near Central Park, MOMA, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Times Square, Quality Meats features modern interpretations of familiar dishes and flavor combinations, resulting in unique tastes, innovative presentations, and a distinctive Quality Meats style. The warm, industrial décor by award-winning designers AvroKO draws on cues from traditional New York City family-owned butcher shops, in the use of warm wood, stainless steel, and white marble.
A photo of Becco restaurant
4.5
Awesome(28529)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Theater District
Booked 183 times today
Lidia Bastianich & her son Joe's Theater District mainstay. Best known for the $29.95 pasta tasting menu & the great selections on the $35 Italian wine list. Loved by locals & out of towners alike, Becco has been serving consistently delicious regional Italian cuisine since 1993. Located on the famed Restaurant Row in NYC's Theatre District, Becco is open for lunch & dinner seven days a week. Enjoy signature dishes, like the Osso Bucco, as well as the bounty of fresh seasonal preparations. The Reserve Wine list has many of Italy's best known producers, as well as some more eclectic wine makers. A knowledgeable staffer will be on hand to help you make a great choice. With 18 years on restaurant row, great food & great service help make Becco the right choice time & time again.
A photo of Tony's Di Napoli - Midtown restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(18241)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Theater District
Booked 139 times today
Tony's has served up some of the best old NY Italian favorites. Our cooking comes from Southern Neapolitan traditions and served up in huge family style platters that serve 2 to 3 people.
A photo of BG - Bergdorf Goodman restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4663)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Midtown West
Booked 62 times today
Sophistication on the Seventh Floor of Bergdorf Goodman with afternoon into evening Central Park views. BG is a modern interpretation of the aristocratic social salon. Like a Park Avenue residence from the age of cosmopolitan glamour. Well-appointed and bright, the drawing room atmosphere is an intimate conversational setting for lunch, tea and early supper or cocktails. The light and sparkling menu is a modern take on classic New York fare. All Day menu served Mon - Sat from Noon-6 PM , and Sunday from Noon -5 PM*Enjoy Afternoon Tea service Mon-Sat from Noon:-5:00 PM and Sun from Noon-5:00 PM, reservations required.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Tom
    Las Vegas •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Awesome atmosphere, great food, and the staff was fantastic. Special shout out to Khalid during tea service and Lauren at the bar who made one of the best ever holiday specialty drinks, the “Holiday Spirt”. The doorman was especially helpful while hailing a cab and assisting with our holiday shopping bags.
    More info
    The Palm Court at The Plaza HotelPrice: Very Expensive• American• Midtown East
    4.4
  • Mimi
    New York City •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Spent a several nights in Midtown and dined with three Italian restaurants. QI is the hands down favorite …. Excelling in every way…. Made us feel special… Very busy Christmas season, but never felt hurried or rushed to turn our table. It’s a place with a vibe, and that was fun… We will be back and want to visit the QBistro and QMeats!
    More info
    Quality Italian - New YorkPrice: Expensive• Italian• Midtown West
    4.7
  • Patricia
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    There were 10 of us & we had made reservations at 5 pm as we had 7 pm theater tickets. Our table was ready for us upon arrival & our waiter was friendly & on point from start to finish. Service was great without feeling rushed & his wine suggestion was perfect. The portions are huge so we started with the calamari & Caesar salad which was plenty for all of us & both very good. We chose 4 dishes, Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Scaloppine, Rigatoni & Broccoli, & Penne alla Vodka & all were delicious. We all commnted that the Penne was the best we’d had as the sauce was not too heavy & perfectly spiced. Although we could have only ordered 3 dishes, we all enjoyed the variety of the 4 choices. We finished off with cappuccinos for the table & made it to the theater with 15 minutes to spare. We couldn’t have picked a better restaurant & the bonus was it was very reasonable. Great job Carmine’s!!
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    Carmine's - 44th Street - NYCPrice: Moderate• Italian• Theater District
    4.6
  • Valentina
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Such a fun experience and with a great price tag! Anthony was so fun and the food/ drinks were delicious
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    Aunt Jake's Pasta ExperiencePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Upper East Side
    4.9
  • TanaVIP
    Las Vegas •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 6 Dec 2024
    Booked back in July, and got there and didn’t have a table due to company Christmas parties. They finally fit us in later.
    More info
    Papillon Bistro and BarPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Midtown East
    4

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Upper East Side

Discover the perfect dining destination for special occasions in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City. The Upper East Side is renowned for its sophisticated dining scene, offering a variety of restaurants that specialize in creating memorable experiences for any celebration. From cozy Italian bistros offering homemade pasta to elegant spots with fresh seafood and exquisite French cuisine, each restaurant prides itself on exceptional food, outstanding service, and an inviting ambiance. Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or simply seeking a special night out, these establishments ensure every detail is catered to with finesse. The area is dotted with venues that are not only top-rated for their culinary offerings but also for their warm, romantic atmospheres, making them ideal for both intimate gatherings and larger festive parties. Patrons consistently praise these spots for making their special occasions truly unforgettable, highlighting the attentive staff and beautifully crafted menus. Choose any of these distinguished Upper East Side locations for an exceptional dining experience that will make your special event a cherished memory.

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